Department of Educational Leadership

Where educators become leaders

Shape the environments where learning happens with a degree in Educational Leadership. If you find yourself mentoring others and advocating for equity in education, Educational Leadership may be a career worth exploring. This degree path prepares you for leadership that is both strategic and deeply human.

Careers in Educational Leadership span K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations. As you pursue roles like principal, superintendent, instructional leader, higher education administrator, or policy advocate, you’ll be working behind the scenes and on the front lines to expand learning and opportunity at every level. 

Why study Educational Leadership at NAU

At NAU, Educational Leadership is grounded in real experience and a deep commitment to community. You’ll learn alongside educators from across Arizona and beyond in programs designed to meet you where you are, both professionally and personally. 

You’ll find programs that emphasize equity-driven leadership and collaboration, preparing you to navigate today’s complex educational settings with confidence. Learning from faculty who bring lived leadership experience and cohorts that foster connection and shared growth, you’ll develop the insight and skills needed to lead with clarity and intention. 

Learning outcomes

As an Educational Leadership major at NAU, you will:

• collect and use data to identify school goals, assess organizational effectiveness, and implement plans to achieve school goals.
• promote the success of every student by sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning through collaboration, trust, and a personalized learning environment with high expectations of students.  
• monitor and evaluate school management and operational systems.
• promote school-based policies and procedures that protect the welfare and safety of students and staff within a school.
• act with integrity and fairness to ensure a school system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success.

Student clubs and organizations

Join the Aspiring Educators at NAU to connect with peers who share your passion for shaping the future of education. Members meet weekly, host campus events, and engage in outreach that connect learning with action. 

Flexibility

You're balancing a lot, and that’s why the Educational Leadership programs at NAU are designed with flexibility at their core. With rolling admissions, financial support, and online and hybrid formats, it’s possible for you to earn your degree from NAU without putting your life on hold. 

Dedicated support

Leadership growth doesn’t happen alone. At NAU, you’ll be supported by experienced faculty, practical and accessible resources, and a community that’s invested in your success. 

Faculty mentorship

You’ll learn from leaders who’ve been there and bring a depth of experience to the classroom. As former principals, superintendents, and higher education leaders, they understand the realities of education leadership today, and the skills you’ll need to navigate them. 

Affordability

NAU is committed to keeping education affordable and within reach. As an Educational Leadership student, you’ll have access to financial support and guidance through Scholarship Universe.

Career readiness

The Educational Leadership programs at NAU support your next step as a leader by combining practical tools with personalized guidance you can put to work right away. For educators seeking advancement, NAU offers licensure preparation for principals and superintendents, equipping you to lead schools, districts, colleges, and communities with compassion and purpose.

Non-resident professional licensure

If you are not a resident of Arizona, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, NAU cannot confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Please check with the appropriate licensing board in your state to determine whether the course or program meets requirements for licensure in your state.